Leo Wardrup, a feisty retired lawmaker who represented a portion of Virginia Beach in the Virginia House of Delegates for 16 years, died Wednesday night. He was 77.

A Republican and retired Navy captain, Wardrup rose to the chairmanship of the House Transportation Committee. He retired in 2007.

Wardrup suffered serious health and personal problems toward the end of his legislative career.

In 2003, he was devastated by the death of his 35-year-old daughter Suzannah from leukemia. The following year, Wardrup himself nearly died of a severe infection and had to relearn how to walk and write.

Nevertheless, he returned to the General Assembly in 2005 and handily won re-election that year.

In a statement Thursday, House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford County, praised Wardrup as a "dedicated public servant."

"He was a thoughtful leader and mentor who gave careful consideration to the issues, but fought for what he believed in with a vivacious and scrappy demeanor," Howell said.

Wardrup was a willing warrior on behalf of anti-tax Republicans in the House. During the administration of Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine, now a U.S. senator, the irascible Wardrup helped lead a successful fight against Kaine's plan to raise taxes to ease traffic gridlock.

Kaine said he hoped to gently persuade the House to adopt his transportation agenda. "I'm a lover, not a fighter," the governor said.

Wardrup's retort: "I'm a lover and a fighter. I love a good fight."

He also loved the sea. He and several friends - all accomplished racers - owned the Black Widow, a 38-foot schooner.

After he could no longer carry out the physical rigors of sailing, Wardrup toiled below deck, working computers and devising race strategies.

Wardrup's 83rd House District in northwestern Virginia Beach is now represented by Republican Del. Chris Stolle.

Wardrup is survived by his wife, Gloria; a son, Jay; a daughter, Ashley; and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.